Low riskOceania · Australia and New ZealandAustralia Travel Health Guide
Low risk
Australia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis B, Measles. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for direct travel from the US, but is required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk or having long layovers in such countries.
Overall risk
Low risk
Malaria
None
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines
Stay up-to-date on routine vaccines including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles before traveling.
COVID-19
Make sure you're up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60, and may be considered for those 60 and older.
Measles
All travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine, including early vaccination for infants 6-11 months old.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for certain travelers to Murray River and Outer Torres Strait Islands, especially those staying long-term or doing outdoor activities in rural areas.
Rabies
Rabies risk is low in Australia and vaccines are available if needed. Pre-exposure vaccination may be considered for high-risk activities or occupations.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for direct travel from the US, but is required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk or having long layovers in such countries.
Disease risks
Emergency numbers
Police
000
Medical / Ambulance
000
Fire
000
U.S. Embassy
+61-2-6214-5600
Australia travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Australia?▼
For travel to Australia, Routine vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis B and Measles are recommended; Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Australia?▼
No — Australia is not considered a malaria-risk destination, so antimalarial medication is not routinely needed. Basic insect-bite precautions are still sensible.
Is it safe to travel to Australia?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Australia is currently rated low risk. Australia carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis B, Measles. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for direct travel from the US, but is required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk or having long layovers in such countries.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Australia?▼
Key emergency numbers in Australia are Police 000, Medical / Ambulance 000, Fire 000 and U.S. Embassy +61-2-6214-5600. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
New ZealandLow riskNew Zealand carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Norfolk IslandLow riskNorfolk Island carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.